Track segment for a sports track and sports track

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a track segment for a sports track, in particular an ice rink, such as a toboggan run or bobsleigh run.

[0002] WO 2013 / 062244 A1 describes a bobsleigh track constructed on-site using molded reinforcements and a concrete support structure. The bobsleigh track includes embedded coolant lines for cooling the track. EP 3243956 A1 describes a reinforced sports field surface with coolant lines, particularly for an ice rink. State of the art

[0003] Sports tracks, particularly ice and bobsleigh tracks, have traditionally been built on site. Until now, artificial ice tracks for luge, bobsleigh, and skeleton for recreational and competitive sports have been constructed entirely on site by hand using traditional methods, such as erecting formwork and pouring the track from in-situ concrete. On-site construction presents the companies involved with significant technical challenges. The concrete surface to accommodate the at least 10 cm thick layer of ice must be of exposed concrete quality, even if the formwork is located above the exposed concrete surface (as so-called counter formwork). The air contained in the concrete rises to the formwork and remains there. The blowholes then weaken the concrete component. A further problem is that in some cases the local conditions for manual construction are limited or unfavorable due to climatic conditions or access restrictions. A track segment according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from AT 510 664 B1. Description of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a sports track and a sports track element that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and enables easier on-site expansion of a sports track. This object is achieved according to the invention by a track segment according to claim 1 and a sports track according to claim 14.

[0005] Further advantageous aspects, details and embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0006] The invention therefore provides a track segment for a sports track with a curved track surface, which track segment is designed to be assembled at the end with other track segments to form the sports track.

[0007] Each track segment comprises a concrete shell with a first side facing the track surface and a second side facing away from the track surface. Reinforcement and at least one coolant line extending over a large portion of the track segment's surface are arranged in the concrete shell. The coolant line is preferably designed as a flexible hose and, via a heat / coolant, transports the thermal energy to the first side of the concrete shell forming the track surface.

[0008] The reinforcement used can be made of either conventional structural steel or stainless steel, carbon, or textile. Each of these reinforcement types has its own specific advantages and disadvantages, such as processability, price, and service life.

[0009] The at least one coolant line is spaced at least from the first side of the concrete shell, so that it lies below the surface of the concrete shell. Preferably, the coolant line is located as close as possible to the surface of the concrete shell, so that the cooling effect is optimized toward the track, while still leaving enough thickness of the concrete shell material toward the track to ensure stability during operation.

[0010] An insulating layer made of a thermally insulating material, e.g., polyurethane, is arranged on the second side of the concrete shell to minimize "cold loss" to the outside of the track. The track segment is therefore extremely efficient in generating cold to the outside of the track. Such a track segment can be easily prefabricated in the factory and assembled on site to create a complete sports track, particularly an ice rink or bobsleigh track. This significantly reduces the assembly effort at the construction site, allowing the track to be installed even in locations that are difficult to access. Furthermore, prefabrication significantly reduces overall construction costs. Individual track layouts can be combined as desired using appropriately prefabricated track segments for straight sections and curved sections. The track segments only need to be connected at the ends and anchored to the ground.Because the prefabrication of the track segments takes place in the factory under controlled conditions, the overall quality of the finished sports track is significantly better than with on-site construction. This new method of artificial ice track construction therefore enables higher-quality, faster, more effective, and more cost-effective production. The establishment of a production line in a precast plant and the reuse of formwork for the individual track segments reduce costs.

[0011] In principle, the first side of the concrete shell can form the membrane surface. However, the first side can also be coated with a protective layer, e.g., made of a polymer, to protect the concrete shell against weathering, for example.

[0012] Since the dimensions of ice skating tracks for bobsleigh and skeleton must comply with international standards, such as curve radii, distances between side walls or camber of the side walls, the track segments for these different track sections can be created as standard and used multiple times, which saves enormous costs.

[0013] The term "concrete shell" here refers to the formed, hardened, usually curved concrete layer of the track segment, which forms the essential structural component of the track segment. The concrete shell has nothing to do with formwork in the manufacturing sense.

[0014] For the material of the concrete shell, inorganic building materials based on Portland cement are very well suited to transport energy in the form of heat.

[0015] Preferably, the track segment has a flat base section on its underside so that it can be easily connected to a substructure or foundation manufactured on site.

[0016] The track segments can be attached to the concrete substrate or foundation, for example, with a bonding layer made of a polymer adhesive. Preferably, the standing section of the track segment alternatively / additionally has steel anchors for connecting to a substructure or foundation, particularly made of concrete, for the concrete shell, so that the track can be securely and quickly anchored to the substrate. The steel anchors then protrude downward and have fastening elements, such as holes, threads, or the like, that can be connected to corresponding counter-anchors in the foundation.

[0017] As a substructure for the sports track, a solid concrete foundation with a smooth surface is preferably constructed on site, matching the slope of the sports track. The aforementioned steel anchors are used as connecting elements to the track segments, which can be anchored either in the track segment or in the foundation. To compensate for any misalignment of the individual segments, a bonding layer of high-performance mortar or epoxy resin can be placed between the track segments and the foundation.

[0018] In an advantageous development of the invention, the insulation layer represents part of a permanent formwork for casting the concrete shell. Thus, the insulation layer also functions as part of the casting mold during the production of the track segment in the factory. This reduces the amount of manufacturing waste and, at the same time, ensures a tight bond between the concrete of the concrete shell and the insulation layer, especially if the insulation layer exhibits roughness and / or porosity towards the concrete shell.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one cooling line extends in a meandering manner in the concrete shell, thus ensuring uniform and effective cooling of the track surface.

[0020] In an easy-to-assemble embodiment of the invention, the track segment has connecting flanges on its end face for the coolant line. Thus, when the track segments are joined end-to-end to form the sports track, the coolant lines of the adjacent track segments are preferably automatically connected to each other. Furthermore, the risk of human error when connecting the coolant lines is minimized.

[0021] External connections of the coolant lines preferably protrude from the track segment to the second side, preferably in the area of ​​the standing surface, and allow connection to corresponding cooling devices or coolant distribution devices.

[0022] In an advantageous development of the invention, the concrete of the concrete shell is shrinkage-compensated, which allows the manufacturing dimensions of the track segment to be chosen equal to the final dimensions, which in turn simplifies production and makes it less prone to errors.

[0023] A protective layer made of polymer, concrete or polymer concrete can preferably be formed on the back of the insulation layer in order to protect the insulation layer from damage during installation and / or operation.

[0024] Preferably, the coolant line is also spaced apart from the second side of the concrete shell to force the cooling to the first side. Preferably, the distance of the coolant line to the first side is significantly smaller than to the second side, so that the cooling effect is delivered close to the track surface, where an ice layer is to be built up. The spacing ratio is thus preferably between 1:2 and 1:10, in particular between 1:3 and 1:5. The cooling effect is thus optimized, especially since the second side is also insulated by the insulating layer.

[0025] Preferably, the coolant line is arranged at a short distance of 1 to 10 cm, in particular 1 to 5 cm, from the first side of the track segment forming the track surface - and at the same time the concrete shell.

[0026] The concrete shell is preferably between 5 and 30 cm thick, preferably between 10 and 20 cm. This makes it rigid and strong enough for its intended use, e.g., four-person bobsleighs. On the other hand, the thickness of the concrete shell can be kept lower than with on-site assembly, since the manufacturing conditions for the track segments are defined in-house, resulting in better strength values ​​for the concrete shell than with on-site construction, e.g., less air entrapment.

[0027] The thinner prefabricated track segments can be transported by truck to the destination station of the sports track, while the transport to the construction site along the track route can be carried out by helicopter, for example, due to the comparatively low weight of the concrete shell.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the insulation layer has a thickness of between 10 and 20 cm. This thickness provides effective thermal insulation, directing the cooling effect of the coolant lines to the first side of the track. Furthermore, the insulation layer does not make the track segment any more cumbersome in construction.

[0029] Preferably, the track segment has a length from end to end of 1 to 5 m, preferably between 2 and 3 m. Such a length represents a good compromise between transportability of the individual track segments (e.g., transport by helicopter), which favors short track segments, and minimizing the effort required to assemble the track segments, which favors long track segments.

[0030] Preferably, the cooling lines are fixed to the reinforcement, which has the manufacturing advantage that the coolant line does not need to be fixed externally, which would result in defects in the concrete shell. This allows for a concrete segment with an optimized coolant line path to be easily manufactured without compromising the quality of the concrete shell.

[0031] In an advantageous development of the invention, the cooling lines are profiled, particularly grooved, e.g., in the form of grooved cooling hoses. This leads, on the one hand, to better "hook" the coolant line into the concrete of the concrete shell. On the other hand, the correspondingly enlarged surface area of ​​the coolant line improves heat transfer to the concrete shell.

[0032] The invention also relates to a sports track, in particular an ice rink, such as a toboggan run or a bobsleigh run, comprising a number of track segments of the type described above, placed end-to-end, wherein the adjacent end faces of adjacent track segments are connected to one another. The connection can be made by filling the gap between two track segments with concrete, e.g., using a calcareous or organic binder, or alternatively or additionally, using a polymer-based sealant. The track segments are thus connected to form a continuous, seamless sports track.

[0033] In addition, a polymer seal can preferably be arranged between the track segments, which allows a certain amount of play and thus represents a buffer for seasonal thermal expansion of the track segments, which would accumulate in a one-piece track.

[0034] In one embodiment, the coolant lines can be connected to each other, preferably automatically, by means of end-face connection flanges when connecting the track segments. In this case, however, the coolant lines of all adjacent track segments are connected to each other by means of end-face connection flanges.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the coolant line of each track segment can therefore be led out at the rear and connected to a coolant distribution device which connects the coolant lines of the individual track segments to one another, but which also allows the coolant line(s) of individual track segments to be shut off, which enables replacement of the corresponding track segment without having to drain the coolant of all track segments.

[0036] It is also possible to combine the connection types for the coolant lines described above, which could then, for example, connect several track segments to form sections that can only be emptied together. Accordingly, end-face connecting flanges would then be provided between the track segments of the same track section, and the outermost track segments of the section would be connected to a coolant distribution device. Furthermore, the coolant flow through individual track segments or sections can be adjusted via the coolant distribution devices.

[0037] Of course, instead of a single coolant line, multiple coolant lines could be arranged in the track segment. This would have the advantage that the cooling capacity could be regulated simply by shutting off the coolant lines. This way, for example, the cooling capacity could be adjusted to the outside temperature.

[0038] It goes without saying that the start and finish areas of the sports track, as well as a ski jump ramp, require flat track segments.

[0039] The following terms are used synonymously: sports track - ice rink - toboggan run - bobsleigh run; substructure - foundation - concrete foundation; Short description of the drawings

[0040] The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a vertical section through a track segment of a sports track according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a plan view of three interconnected track segments of a sports track according to view II of Fig. 1 , and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the course of the coolant line unfolded into a plane in the three track segments from Fig. 2 . Ways to implement the invention

[0041] Fig. 1shows a vertical section through a track segment 10 of a sports track 12, which consists of track segments 10 connected to each other at the end.

[0042] Each track segment 10 consists of a concrete shell 14 in which a reinforcement 16 and a coolant line 18 are arranged, which is connected to the reinforcement 16. The coolant line 18 is arranged at a short distance of 1 to 10 cm, in particular 1 to 5 cm, from the first side 20 of the concrete shell 12 forming the track surface.

[0043] An insulating layer 22 is arranged on the rear side 24 of the concrete shell 14, which is already bonded to the concrete shell 14 in a precast plant. Since the track segments 10 are completely prefabricated in the plant, they can be manufactured under defined conditions for optimized production. This achieves a low porosity of the concrete shell and a good bond between the concrete shell 14 and the insulating layer 22. This is especially true when the insulating layer 22 represents a lost formwork during the casting or manufacturing process of the concrete shell 14.

[0044] A protective layer made of a hard polymer, concrete or polymer concrete can optionally be arranged on the back of the insulation layer 22 in order to protect the insulation layer 22 during the assembly and use of the sports track.

[0045] The track segment rests on a foundation 26 made of conventional construction concrete, manufactured on site. A bonding layer 30 made of a high-performance mortar or epoxy resin is arranged between the foundation 26 and the flat base section 28 of the track segment 10, in which the track segment 10 is secured, e.g., bonded, to the concrete foundation 26. This bonding layer 30 also compensates for manufacturing tolerances and inaccuracies in the flatness between the track segment 10 and the concrete foundation 26.

[0046] In addition, concrete anchors 32 can be arranged in the stand section 28, which can be connected to counter anchors 34 in the concrete foundation 26, e.g. via screw connections.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows the supervision according to II Fig. 1with three interconnected track segments 10, which are connected to each other at their end faces 36, wherein the connecting area of ​​the mutually facing end faces 36 of adjacent track segments can be closed by means of a calcareous connecting agent and / or by means of a polymer with sealing properties.

[0048] Fig. 3 shows the meandering course of the coolant line 18 in each concrete formwork 14, with the concrete formwork unfolded into the plane of the drawing. The coolant lines 18 of adjacent track segments 10 can be connected to one another via connecting flanges 38, 40, which optionally automatically seal with one another when the adjacent track segments 10 are connected. The mutually facing connecting flanges 38, 40 can have a slightly larger diameter than the coolant lines 18, which allows the use of a sealing sleeve without compromising the free flow diameter for the coolant.

[0049] The invention is not limited to the described embodiment but can be varied within the scope of the following patent claims. List of reference symbols

[0050] 10Track segment 12Sports track - Bobsleigh track - Luge track - Ice rink 14Concrete shell of the track segment 16Reinforcement inside the concrete shell 18Coolant line(s) 20First side of the concrete shell - track surface 22Insulation layer on the back of the concrete shell 24Second side of the concrete shell facing the insulation layer 26Concrete foundation, cast on site 28Standing section of the track segment 30Connecting layer made of high-performance concrete or polymer adhesive 32Steel anchors in the standing section of the track segment 34Counter anchors in the concrete foundation for connecting to the steel anchors of the track segment 36End faces of the track segments to be connected 38Connecting flange on the first end face of the track segment 40Connecting flange on the second end face of the track segment

Claims

1. Track segment (10) for a sports track (12) with a curved track surface, which track segment (10) is designed to be assembled at its end face (36) with other track segments (10) to form the sports track (12), each track segment (10) having a concrete shell (14) with a first side (20) facing the track surface and a second side (24) facing away from the track surface, wherein a reinforcement (16) and at least one cooling line (18) extending over a large part of the surface of the track segment (10) is arranged in the concrete shell (14) and is spaced at least towards the first side of the concrete shell (14), and in that an insulating layer (22) made of a thermally insulating material is arranged on the second side (24) of the concrete shell (14).

2. Track segment (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a flat stand section (28) on its underside.

3. Track segment (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the stand section (28) has steel anchors (32) for connection to a substructure (26), consisting in particular of concrete, for the concrete shell (14).

4. Track segment (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating layer (22) forms the part of a lost formwork for casting the concrete shell (14).

5. Track segment (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cooling line (18) extends in a meandering manner in the concrete shell (14).

6. Track segment (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has end-face connecting flanges (38, 40) for the cooling line (18).

7. Track segment (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the concrete of the concrete shell (14) is shrinkage-compensated.

8. Track segment (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling line (18) is spaced also towards the second side (24) of the concrete shell (14).

9. Track segment (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the distance of the cooling line (18) to the first side (20) is smaller than to the second side (24).

10. Track segment (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the concrete shell (14) has a thickness of between 5 and 30 cm, preferably between 10 and 20 cm.

11. Track segment (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a length from end face to end face of 1 to 5 m, preferably between 2 and 3 m.

12. Track segment (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling lines (18) are fixed to the reinforcement.

13. Track segment (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling lines (18) are profiled, in particular corrugated.

14. Sports track comprising a number of track segments (10) placed end to end according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjacent end faces (36) of adjacent track segments (10) are connected to one another.

15. Sports track according to claim 14, characterized in that the track segments (10) are connected via a calcareous or organic binder.

16. Sports track according to one of claims 14 to 15, characterized in that the cooling lines (18) of the track segments (10) are connected to each other via distribution devices.